The Speaker One-Sheet is NOT Dead

I heard someone say recently that the speaker one-sheet was dead. Well, just as Mark Twain said reports of his death were greatly exaggerated, reports of the death of one-sheets is exaggerated as well. The truth is, one-sheets have simply taken on a new medium–the download.

I know I’m showing my age here, but when I first began speaking, event planners wanted a printed one-sheet and the ability to listen to cassette tapes of a full presentation. Then it went to CDs of full presentations. Then CDs of full presentations with excerpts from other presentations. Then it went to DVDs of presentations. Today event planners want a short (2-4 minute) YouTube or other-hosted video reel of our speaking in a variety of settings. It’s often at this point that the event planner will make the first cut and decide who she wants to investigate further.

But that doesn’t mean the one-sheet is dead. After the event planners watch the videos and make the first cut, then they will often visit or revisit our websites, looking for our one-sheets. If the one-sheets seems to be a good fit as well and we’re in the final group to be considered, they will often download and print out the one-sheet for each of the team members. At that point, it’s likely the ladies will look at the video links and the one-sheets and make their final decision, or at least their next cut.

The good news is, this means we don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars in printing one-sheets. (The last one-sheet I had printed was at least $1 each!) But depending on your skill level, it may mean you need to invest in a professionally-prepared one-sheet. But whether you pay to have them created or you do them yourself, just remember, it’s a reflection of you, so make it as professional as possible.

Then make sure it’s visible on your website and can be easily downloaded. And don’t forget, since Word files with photos and a variety of fonts will often lose their formatting when downloaded, be sure you upload them as a PDF file. (Kirsten Holmberg commented below that you should also print out your downloaded one-sheet to make sure it maintains its formatting. Good point, Kirsten. Thank you!)

So there you have it. There’s no need to grieve the death of the one-sheet. But there is reason to take a hard look at your sheet and make sure it’s a good representation of you and your ministry. It could be the difference between a quick pass or a long-term commitment…with the simple click of a mouse.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect… 1 Peter 3:15

Grace and peace,

Vonda

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16 Comments

This is good to know. With all the dynamic (continually updated) social media outlets, it’s easy to dismiss a “static” one sheet. And you’re right – it’s an investment, and worth the $$ to pay a professional.

Vonda,
God continues to amaze me through the gift of You!
Small and petite, with the ability to encourage others to shine for Jesus, you carry a huge load of giftedness,with such poise and grace. A great role model for so many. Thank you Lord for this precious sister. Pour much added grace as she continues to run the race you set before her.

Agreed! I just wanted to add that once you’ve got it written, covered to PDF and loaded up to your site, be sure download (and print!) the one sheet from the site directly to check for file corruption. (Learned from experience that a few items got lost in translation.) Thanks!

Samples of one sheets can be viewed here under the “connect” tab. A few of the Christian Communicators conference grads have their one sheet links here for event planners and guest to view. Your teaching techniques are evident in each of their one sheet.

Vonda,
I think many of us are finding it difficult to locate someone dependable to help with websites, as well as the one-sheets. PRAY for creative and wisdom!! For those of us who do not have videos of speaking in a variety of settings is it acceptable to produce a couple of videos like we did at the lake house using different backgrounds?
This is great information. The speaker pages are a great reference. Thank you so much for all you do. Sharing your experience and wisdom is such a blessing. I will be praying for you all at The Cove.

Judy, our intern for the videotaping this year is a young college girl who also edits video. Feel free to contact her if you’d like someone to professionally edit video for you or create a demo reel. Her name is Mary Erny @ marylizerny@gmail.com. Hope this helps!